'ectodermalization' originates from Greek and New Latin components: 'ecto-' (Greek ektos) meaning 'outside' and 'derm'/'derma' (Greek derma) meaning 'skin', combined with the English/Latin-derived suffix '-ization' (from Late Latin/Old French) indicating 'the process of making or becoming'.

'ectoderm' was formed in 19th-century embryology from Greek 'ektos' + 'derma'; the adjective 'ectodermal' derived from that, and modern scientific usage later added the noun-forming suffix '-ization' to produce 'ectodermalization'.

Initially used to denote simply the formation of the ectoderm layer, the term's usage has broadened to include induction or acquisition of ectodermal characteristics by cells or tissues (not only the layer's gross formation).